Intercultural learning opportunities open to all McMaster students
One of McMaster’s greatest strengths comes from the diversity of our campus community. We have so much to learn from another, but it can sometimes be challenging to leave our comfort zone and have meaningful cross-cultural conversations. This experiential learning opportunity provides you with opportunities to build your intercultural competencies and gain valuable cross-cultural communication skills. Not only will this help you connect with the people around you, but it will also give you a competitive edge in today’s workplace, where these skills are highly valued.
Open to all McMaster students, including undergraduate, graduate, domestic, international and exchange students.
Participate in events, workshops and programming on campus to earn a certificate recognizing your commitment to intercultural learning and growth. To earn the certificate, you must complete all of the following:
- Attend two intercultural training workshops.
- Complete two asynchronous training modules.
- Participate in at least three of the eligible events (at least seven event hours).
- Complete a short learning reflection.
Have questions?
Email Andrew Staples for more information. If you’re hosting or you know of an event on campus that would be appropriate to be included in the events listings, please reach out.
Why Culture Matters: How Culture Shapes the Way We Think, Live and Work
A deep dive into what culture really means, how it impacts everyone‘s lives and shapes the way we live, work and communicate.
Choose one of the following options:
Lifelong Intercultural Learning
This workshop dives into the journey of cultural adaptation — its challenges, rewards and impact on our worldview. You’ll explore practical tools, fresh perspectives and ongoing opportunities to grow your intercultural awareness and thrive in diverse environments.
Choose one of the following options:
AODA and Human Rights
Asynchronous learningFive short videos and a completion quiz that introduce important definitions, examples and expectations on supporting people with disabilities at McMaster. The training will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, including a required quiz.
Note: You need to submit proof of completion (available on Mosaic). Request to enroll in AODA and Human Rights training.
Call It Out: Racism, Racial Discrimination and Human Rights
Asynchronous learningCreated by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, this 30-minute interactive course provides the foundation for learning about race, racial discrimination and human rights protections in Ontario.
Note: You must take a screenshot/download the completed certificate as proof that you have completed this training.
Events and workshops will continue to be added throughout the year
There’s a diverse selection of events to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that fits your interests and passion for intercultural learning. You must complete a minimum of seven hours from eligible events.
Navigating Canadian Workplace Culture
October 2, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. | 1 hour toward completionJoin us for a hands-on workshop designed to help you smoothly transition into the Canadian workplace. This session is structured like a business meeting, giving you practical experience while you learn. We’ll cover essential topics, including introducing yourself to colleagues, understanding decision-making processes in meetings, engaging in small talk and communicating effectively with your supervisor. Note: This workshop is intended for English language learners and is not suitable for native/fluent English speakers.
McMaster Museum of Art Exhibit: The Great Unseen
Active until October 17 | 1 hour toward completionThe exhibition, curated from a personal Caribbean heritage and diasporic perspective, focuses on Black, Caribbean, and diasporic artists — communities that have historically been excluded from dominant art historical paradigms. Visit the Note: Participants must submit a photo of an art piece and a brief summary (five to eight sentences) of how the art piece/exhibition challenged or expanded your worldview.
Cultural Conversations
October 22, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionCultural Conversations is a monthly series that provides an opportunity for you to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing, listening, and discussing how things are done in different cultural settings.
Seed Teachings with Cari Henhawk and the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge
October 23, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionJoin Auntie Cari Henhawk from the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, who will review details about seed ceremonies and share some songs for the seeds to hear.
Language Café
October 28, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 2 hours toward completionGet ready for an evening of cultural connection and language exploration! Language Café brings together the diverse languages spoken at McMaster University — and gives you the chance to learn directly from your peers in a fun, friendly setting.
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
November 13, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. | 1 hour toward completionExplore how your own cultural norms, beliefs and values shape the way you connect with others. In this interactive session, we’ll unpack the hidden influences behind everyday communication, uncover common cross-cultural misunderstandings and learn the foundational skills to communicate effectively across cultures.
Cultural Conversations
November 24, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionCultural Conversations is a monthly series that provides an opportunity for you to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing, listening, and discussing how things are done in different cultural settings.
World Stage at Mac: Multicultural Showcase
November 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | 90 minutes toward completionExperience the Magic of the Season at World Stage at Mac. Join us on November 26 for World Stage at Mac, a multicultural talent showcase featuring incredible performances from McMaster’s diverse community.
Holiday Around the World
December 9, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | 90 minutes toward completion)Join us for our “Holiday Around the World” drop-in event as we come together to celebrate the diverse holiday traditions that make this season special.
Winter Solstice Teachings
December 19, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.Hosted by the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, join Cari Henhawk to learn about Indigenous teachings about what the Winter Solstice is, and why it is celebrated.
Events and workshops will continue to be added throughout the year
There’s a diverse selection of events to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that fits your interests and passion for intercultural learning. You must complete a minimum of seven hours from eligible events.
Home Cooked at Mac
Asynchronous | 1 hour toward completionLearn about another culture by participating in a virtual cooking class! Download the recipe, go shopping and watch the cooking video to learn how to prepare a new meal. Participants must submit proof of their finished meal as proof of participation (e.g., a selfie or photo).
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Fundamentals and Foundation Module
Asynchronous | 3 hours toward completionThe EDIA Fundamentals module is a five-part module, designed by the Equity, Diversity and Anti-Oppression Program within the Equity and Inclusion Office, to provide the community with accessible, self-paced learning about EDIA, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression, with a spotlight on anti-Black racism in higher education.
Stories from Abroad
January 14, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | 1 hour toward completionThis is event is designed for students who are interested in going on exchange. Join this storytelling social to hear about the influential experiences of our returning exchange students.
Cooking Session – Bibimbap
January 16, 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | 90 minutes towards completionLearn cooking skills in a relaxed and interactive environment with the Student Wellness Centre and McMaster Access Program featuring Bibimbap, a favourite Korean rich dish with egg, tofu, veggies and side dishes.
Cultural Conversations
January 26, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionCultural Conversations is a monthly series that provides an opportunity for you to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing, listening, and discussing how things are done in different cultural settings.
Navigating Canadian Workplace Culture
February 5, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. | 1 hour toward completionJoin us for a hands-on workshop designed to help you smoothly transition into the Canadian workplace. This session is structured like a business meeting, giving you practical experience while you learn. We’ll cover essential topics, including introducing yourself to colleagues, understanding decision-making processes in meetings, engaging in small talk and communicating effectively with your supervisor. Note: This workshop is intended for English language learners and is not suitable for native/fluent English speakers.
Spirituality and Music
February 7, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | 2 hours towards completionMcMaster’s Ecumenical Chaplaincy and the Campus Ministries Council host Juno-award-winning Canadian-Rwandan rapper Shad, tackling the topic of “Spirituality and Music”.
Intercultural Communications: An Introduction
February 12, 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. | 1 hour toward completionExplore how your own cultural norms, beliefs and values shape the way you connect with others. In this interactive session, we’ll unpack the hidden influences behind everyday communication, uncover common cross-cultural misunderstandings and learn the foundational skills to communicate effectively across cultures.
Rooted Together: Celebrating Our Collective Legacy
February 25, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 2 hours toward completionThe event will feature a special film screening of Steadfast: Messenger and the Message, a powerful documentary highlighting the life and work of The Honourable Jean Augustine, a pioneering advocate, educator, and trailblazer in Canadian history who played a pivotal role in establishing Black History Month in Canada.
Cultural Conversations
February 26, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionCultural Conversations is a monthly series that provides an opportunity for you to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing, listening, and discussing how things are done in different cultural settings.
McMaster Museum of Art: Bloodline
Active until March 6, 2026 | 1 hour towards completionMeryl McMaster: Bloodline is a survey exhibition reflect her mixed Plains Cree/Métis, Dutch, and British ancestry. This exhibition looks back on McMaster’s explorations of family histories, in particular those of her Plains Cree female forebears from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in present day Saskatchewan.
Note: Complete the Monarch Butterfly Journaling Activity (available at the front desk of the MMA) and submit a photo of your journal as proof of completion.
The Celestial Bear: The Six Nations’ Night Sky
March 25, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 1 hour toward completionA fascinating show that blends local culture, history, and modern-day astronomy that shares the Six Nation’s sky lore and language through traditional indigenous night-sky stories.
Note: Tickets cost $8.85 for this event.
Cultural Conversations
March 26, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionCultural Conversations is a monthly series that provides an opportunity for you to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing, listening, and discussing how things are done in different cultural settings.
Onekwá:tara – the Seven Dancers of the Pleiades
April 22, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 1 hour toward completionLearn about the story of Onekwá:tara – the Seven Dancers of the Pleiades, and how the story is portrayed in the night sky.
Note: Tickets cost $8.85 for this event.